This match-up earns its place on our list for somewhat different reasons to the rest. EA Sports' first entry in the world of MMA gaming failed to spark too much excitement, failed to live up to the hype, and ultimately failed to take a meaningful stab at UFC Undisputed's position as the premier MMA franchise. But the case of UFC Undisputed VS. EA Sports MMA will be remembered more for the action behind the scenes. We all know that EA likes to stamp its name across every sport worth playing. That's just how they roll. But when it came to the rapidly growing sport of mixed martial arts, EA wanted nothing to do with it. UFC boss Dana White famously proposed an MMA game to the game publishing powerhouse, and was promptly told to bugger off. As the story goes, EA execs didn't consider mixed martial arts to be a real sport and wanted to distance themselves from the brand, so THQ stepped in and grabbed the UFC license instead. There's nothing wrong with choosing not to sign a sporting license if you're not interested in it, that's an executive decision that EA felt was right at the time, but it was their sudden backtracking and stance-reversal which left a sour taste in many mouths. As the UFC became increasingly popular, THQ's licensed UFC Undisputed franchise started pulling in some critical heat, leaving EA feeling left out of the party. So they had a change of heart regarding this brutal art... it seemed that MMA was worth their attention after all. Upon announcement of EA Sports MMA, Dana White prohibited any UFC-signed fighters from any involvement with it, putting their careers on the line if they stepped into EA's ring. What followed was a messy brawl between fighters, promoters, managers, game publishers and everyone else involved. The result? And unremarkable first effort by EA Sports, an epic collapse of THQ, and a "match made in heaven" deal when EA bought the UFC license after all. And then disappointed us with EA Sports UFC.
Game-obsessed since the moment I could twiddle both thumbs independently. Equally enthralled by all the genres of music that your parents warned you about.
